Unpaid overtime is probably one of the worst things that can happen to you in the workplace. It is basically a waste of time and effort because you are not getting anything in return. It can also be argued to be an immoral act on the side of your employer.

But it is important to point out that unpaid overtime can also be a result of legitimate mistakes. It is not like your employer is intentionally maximizing productivity and minimizing operation costs. Sometimes, the unpaid overtime is just the result of management errors.

Misclassifying employees

According to the website of the Leichter Law Firm, those who are eligible for overtime pay and have not been compensated by their employers may have legal options. But the key word there is eligible, because not all employees are eligible for overtime pay.

Usually, the executive and administrative employees are exempted from overtime pay, so there are instances where employees are wrongly classified as such and not paid their deserved overtime pay.

Miscalculating hours worked

Those who work more than 40 hours a week, and are not in executive and administrative positions, can receive up to one and one-half of their rate as overtime pay. But sometimes the management may have errors in calculating the hours employees have worked on, and this usually occurs by not including work that has been done while off the clock. Off the clock work often manifests in the following forms:

Employees going to work too early

Employees staying at work too late

Employees working during unpaid breaks, such as lunch periods

Employees working at home

Miscalculating wages

There are instances where the one and one-half rate of the employees is not calculated properly, resulting into overtime work that is basically unpaid. But this rate is not the only variable that is prone to being miscalculated, because other variables such as commissions, shift differentials, and even performance-based rewards are not properly factored in the calculation of hourly rates.

Many people enjoy their jobs every day, without hardship or conflict. They find fulfillment in their careers, and their employers provide them a stable and non-discriminatory environment. However, for many this is unfortunately not the case. Many face problems in their professional pursuits- problems including labor law violations or sexual orientation discrimination. These issues pervade many workplaces and it is important to be informed of the rights we maintain as employees.

One of the more common issues faced in employment law is labor law violations. Labor laws were established to “ensure that employees are properly compensated for their work and receive time off, among other labor considerations.” Many employees know their basic rights that are owed to them by their employers yet too many are unaware of the multitude of protections they have that are lesser known to the general public. For example, there is a requirement that all employees be notified of their payment tumpline and pay rate by February 1st of every year. So many people are unaware of the protections available to them.

Another major issue recently faced by many employees is the issue of Sexual Orientation discrimination. According to the website of the New York sexual orientation discrimination lawyers at Cary Kane LLP, “recent decisions by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have found that discrimination against an employee because they are gay or lesbian is prohibited by Title VII when it constitutes discrimination on the basis of sexual stereotyping.” It is vitally important the employees not feel uncomfortable of discriminated against in their workplaces.

While not everyone faces conflict or strife in their work place, everyone should be aware of the many rights and protections available to them in their state. Everyone should be comfortable, safe, and protected in their workplace so that they can pursue their careers and passions to their full potential.